Banko Ware (Banko-yaki)

Banko-yaki (Japanese: 萬古焼, Banko ware) is one of Japan's most beautiful traditional ceramic techniques. The tradition dates back to the 18th century when the merchant Nunami Rouzan famously placed a seal with the words bankofueki, or "eternity, constancy" on earthenware made in the town of Yokkaichi. With their unique heat resistance and beautiful, almost primitive composition, he hoped they would become the kind of objects that would be handed down through the generations.